Buyers interest in small Sport Utility Vehicles gives Ford an Edge

September 14, 2007|By DAN LYONS, Motor Matters

Heading down? When it comes to Sport Utility Vehicles it's clear that lots of people are driving downward. Down in size, mainly. Many drivers are migrating from large SUVs to something a little smaller in search of lower operating costs. But, if your lifestyle requires a vehicle big enough to carry five, plus cargo, you really can't go too small and still get the job done. One solution is a large crossover, like the Ford Edge, with a starting price just over $25,000. Crossovers are part station wagon, part SUV. The breed is popular - and getting more so. While large, truck-based SUVs are slumping, crossover sales are expected to reach 2.1 million this year and projected to pass 3 million annually by the end of the decade. Key to the popularity is drivability. The car-based chassis that crossovers are built on makes them handle more like a car than a truck. After years of bouncing around in big SUVs, many drivers find the difference a refreshing change. The Ford Edge looks the part of the modern American crossover. Its styling suggests a station wagon that's been hitting the gym. A rounded roof - a strong and distinctive shape, caps the high beltline. Edge is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions. Like most crossovers, the new Ford is not designed as an off-roader. Rather, the added traction of all-wheel drive models is geared towards boosting tire grip in foul weather conditions. Linked to the standard AdvanceTrac system with roll control, Ford's all-wheel drive setup automatically shifts available engine power front to back or side-to-side as needed to maximize traction. The car-based chassis sits lower than most SUVs, and the lower center of gravity makes for a more stable handling vehicle. Edge feels quite planted while cornering and ride quality is worthy of the longest road trips. The sole drivetrain combination is Ford's 3.5-liter V-6, connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 six-speed combo is a nice pairing. Though it's a little loud at full throttle, the six provides good power (265 horsepower, 250 lb.-ft. of torque), and good-for-the-breed gas mileage. The EPA rates Edge's fuel economy at 18 miles per gallon city/25 mpg highway (17/24 AWD). I averaged just less than 21 mpg in 1,000 miles of mixed driving conditions. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds. Standard, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS feel suitably strong to stop the 2-ton crossover. Another advantage of Edge's low, car-like stance is that it's easy to get in and out of the cabin. Slide inside and you'll find plenty of room for people and their gear. Edge seats four to five adults, and a generous amount of cargo in back. There are lots of storage spots sprinkled around the cabin to hold assorted items. Maps, water bottles, juice boxes and drinks of all sizes find their place some place inside. The large, covered center console is fitted with removable partitions. Controls are easy to operate. Options include a DVD-based navigation system up front and a DVD-based entertainment system for the back. An auxiliary audio input jack is standard, so you can bring along your iPod or MP3 player. The second row seats recline, and if you order the optional panoramic roof, it's room with a view. Up front, the Vista Roof ($1,395) is a moonroof that slides and tilts. It stretches back over row two, as a wide, fixed panel with tinted glass. A retractable cloth shade is there for when passengers are done sunbathing or stargazing. Cargo capacity is generous at 32.1 cubic feet, expandable to 69.6 cubic feet, if the rear seats are folded forward. I managed to fit a 5-foot-long box inside, with the hatch closed. And if you need to bring along even longer items, consider the available, folding front seat. So equipped, Edge will hold an 8-foot-long item, be it stepladder or surfboard. The hatch door opening is wide and lift-over height is low. A power liftgate is optional and convenient when you've got your hands full. In this market, many buyers downsize to economize. But, the trick is knowing how much smaller you can shrink and still get the job done. Buyers getting out of large SUVs and looking to increase their economy, but not decrease their capacity, should take a good look at Ford's Edge. Roomy, comfortable and good looking, Edge should make a lot of friends in a growing market sector.